Armed man tries to steal Pineville ambulance

PINEVILLE - Police say a man armed with a gun tried to steal an ambulance in Pineville Wednesday morning.

According to Pineville Police, 43-year-old Christopher Farque tried to steal a vehicle that had pulled over on US 167 due to a flat tire around 5 a.m. Wednesday. The victims were able to escape from Farque and called 911.

Shortly later, police received a call from the Acadian Ambulance station that a man pulled into the parking lot, claimed he worked for the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office and asked to drive one of the ambulances.

A spokesperson for Acadian Ambulance told KALB-TV that medics told Farque that he could not take the vehicle. Farque then returned to his own vehicle and returned with what they believed to be a gun in his waistband.

Medics then retreated into the station and called for assistance. Pineville Police arrived at the scene and took Farque into custody.

Police charged Farque with carjacking, two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, attempted simple escape and battery on a police officer. He was transported to the Rapides Parish Detention Center where he is being held on $46,500 bond.